New research led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) warns that hybrid forms of the parasites that cause schistosomiasis are undermining existing disease control strategies and could accelerate the spread of infection in Africa and…
Category: 5. Biology
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Hybrid parasites threaten progress against one of the world's most widespread neglected diseases
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'Command center' cell that orchestrates tooth root formation discovered
Teeth function not only because of the hard enamel on the surface, but also because they have roots that anchor them firmly in the jawbone beneath the gums. Eating, speaking, and maintaining the shape of the face—teeth are essential for…
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Pets suffer in extreme heat: Animal welfare expert explains how we can help them
The multi-day heat wave conditions have arrived this summer, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in some regions. While we may head to shopping centers or cinemas to stay comfortable, we need to consider the heat impacts that other animals can face.
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Deciphering symbiotic code: Research unlocks 'secret handshake' between legumes and rhizobia
In a study published in Science, researchers have resolved, for the first time, the high-resolution crystal structure of the complex formed between the NodD protein of pea rhizobia and a flavonoid compound (hesperetin). They elucidate how NodD…
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The 4x rule: Why some people’s DNA is more unstable than others
A large scale genetic analysis of more than 900,000 people has revealed that specific regions of DNA become increasingly unstable over time. These regions are made up of very short sequences that repeat again and again, and the study shows that…
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Study finds food waste compost less effective than potting mix alone
With an estimated 30–40% of the United States’ food supply ending up as waste, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, food science and horticulture experts teamed up to study if it could lay the foundation for growing the next…
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Uncovering a secret room that a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba
A virus relies on the host’s translation machinery to replicate itself and become infectious. Translation efficiency partially depends on the usage of a codon, or sequence of three nucleotides, that matches the cellular pool of tRNA, key…
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Single-cell testing shows which antibiotics actually kill bacteria, not just stop growth
Drugs that act against bacteria are mainly assessed based on how well they inhibit bacterial growth under laboratory conditions. A critical factor, however, is whether the active substances actually kill the pathogens in the body. Researchers at…
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New Zealand's rare flightless parrot begins breeding again
New Zealand’s critically endangered flightless parrot, the kakapo, started breeding last week for the first time in four years, the government conservation department said.
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Coral reefs have a hidden daily rhythm scientists just discovered
New research shows that coral reefs do more than support fish and other visible marine species. They also help organize the daily timing of microscopic organisms living in nearby waters. Over the course of a single day, both the abundance and the…
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